Live theater has the ability to teleport the audience to a new, happier state of mind. Sometimes, that means it evokes joyful childhood memories; other times, it simply makes you burst into a hearty chuckle. For one Raleigh, North Carolina, two-year-old battling a rare syndrome, a night out at the theater was nothing short of life-changing for son, mother, and cast members alike.

Chance Blanton, who spends much of his time with his mother, Angela Blanton, at Duke University for medical treatment, was treated to a special dress rehearsal of “Beauty and the Beast.” The performance took place at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium courtesy of Ronald McDonald House. Though Chance suffers from muscular dystrophy, seizures, and is partially blind, music is something that is his “heart and soul,” as mom puts it.

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After the show, Chance and mom also met the cast, who were vividly moved by the incredible young boy. Even Governor Roy Cooper came by to show his support of the brave toddler and his mom. It’s pretty difficult to make it through the below clip without shedding a tear:

“To see him light up, you know, with many times that he’s not feeling good and he’s in pain, means more than words can even describe. I take those moments and really hold onto them,” says Blanton to CBS North Carolina. A lesson for all of us, and a reminder to always cherish life’s little moments.